BS 7370-5 is a standard that serves technical specifications for the maintenance of water areas, enabling monitoring and maintenance to ensure proper conservation of water areas.
BS 7370-5 gives recommendations for grounds maintenance relating to water areas that are within or adjacent to the grounds.
In BS 7370-5, clauses 4 and 5 explain the ways in which water is used by humans, flora and fauna. This will assist in reconciling the often-conflicting management and maintenance requirements of water and wetland areas, given in clause 6.
BS 7370-5 provides recommendations to enable a detailed inspection and maintenance schedule to be prepared for each site.
Note 1: BS 7370-5 does not cover the maintenance of wetland or tidal areas.
Note 2: Reference is made to legislative aspects in annex B although this standard should not be taken as comprehensive or definitive in this regard.
Note 3: BS 7370-5 does not constitute a textbook on the ecological, recreational, design or engineering matters raised.
BS 7370-5 on maintenance of water areas applies to:
Water areas are usually multi-functional and can serve purposes additional to the conservation, recreation and amenity use for which the grounds maintenance organization is directly responsible. Thus, when planning and undertaking grounds maintenance, it is essential to have a full understanding of the prime purposes and uses of the water area together with the effects of grounds maintenance activities.
BS 7370-5 provides users guidance on the categories of water and wetland areas including, running water, still water, ornamental water features, and swamps, marshes and mires, enabling users to identify the type of water body and take appropriate measures for maintenance.
BS 7370-5 provides users guidance on maintenance operations, including maintenance purpose, dredging of lakes and ponds, clearance of watercourses, erosion control, structures, litter, debris and trash, waterside paths, embankments, lining and more, assisting users in conserving water areas that support plants, fish amphibians, birds and animal life.
With obedience and compliance to BS 7370-5, users can develop frameworks and protocols for the maintenance of water areas, ensuring the sustainability, conservation and waste removal from water areas to support the surrounding environment.